Melvin was born on September 1, 1938, in Grinnell, Iowa to Hollie and Mamie Morrow York. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School. Following his education he served with the U.S. Navy on the USS San Diego and the USS Bradford. On August 12, 1966, he was married to Barbara Osland at the Chester Church near Grinnell. The couple lived in Grinnell and he worked for Van Wechel Motors and All Star Ford. Later, he became a partner and office manager for Tiger Ford in Grinnell. He retired in January of 2001. Melvin was Past President and Treasurer of the Grinnell Eagles Club and he was a member of the Grinnell Parks and Recreation Commission, the Elks Lodge and the Grinnell Lions Club. He enjoyed coaching fast pitch softball teams, hunting, NASCAR, the Chicago Bears and collecting guns. He is survived by one son, Brian York of Grinnell; two daughters, Kellie (Brett) McGriff and Lisa (Chris) Coffman, both of Grinnell; six grandchildren, Denton York, Zachary and Cole McGriff, Drew, Owen and Brady Coffman; and one sister, Nora Joanne Keenan of Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Bernard and Robert Marvin and Malvern York. Memorials may be directed to the Melvin York Memorial Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.